Apollo Oregon Grape

Apollo Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium 'Apollo')

Apollo Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium 'Apollo') is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its bold texture, glossy foliage, and cheerful yellow spring flowers. A smaller cultivar of the native Oregon Grape, 'Apollo' offers year-round interest with seasonal color changes, fragrant blooms, and decorative blue-black berries. Its dense, upright form and adaptability make it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, woodland edges, and shaded borders.

Distinctive Features

'Apollo' features leathery, holly-like leaves that emerge bronzy-red in spring, mature to deep green in summer, and take on rich burgundy tones in fall and winter. Clusters of bright yellow, fragrant flowers appear in early spring, attracting pollinators and providing a welcome burst of color. These are followed by ornamental blue-black berries in summer. The shrub typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, maintaining a neat, rounded habit.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade; tolerates full sun in cooler climates
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to a range of conditions
• Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Year-round foliage and spring flowers offer consistent garden interest
• Foundation Planting: Low, dense habit is ideal near buildings and walkways
• Woodland Gardens: Natural fit under trees or along shaded edges
• Pollinator Gardens: Early flowers support bees and beneficial insects
• Mass Planting: Works well in groupings for texture and seasonal contrast

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment; becomes drought tolerant with age
• Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed
• Mulching: Use mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
• Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to pests and diseases

Why Choose Apollo Oregon Grape?

• Four-Season Interest: Spring blooms, summer berries, and colorful foliage year-round
• Compact Form: Ideal for small spaces and low-maintenance landscapes
• Pollinator Friendly: One of the earliest sources of nectar for bees
• Deer Resistant: Glossy, spiny foliage deters browsing
• Focal Point: A dynamic evergreen shrub that anchors shaded plantings with texture and color

Mahonia aquifolium 'Apollo' brings structure, color, and ecological value to gardens with partial or full shade. Its evergreen foliage and bright spring flowers provide a reliable focal point in spaces where other plants may struggle.